Darren,
Are you hunting by yourself?......I'd try and find someone to go with......Just a good idea in our mountains. And especially when you're new to deer hunting.
I gut & drag......Others on here basically filet their deer on the spot......It really depends how far back your in and the terrain you're hunting.....Just old school for me.
Too gut & drag, it doesn't take a surgeon.....Have your deer on a downhill slope, where the guts can roll out. Cut small incision near the rear of the gut without puncturing the gut sack. Cut up to the rib cage and pull out guts. I sew the belly back up (carry zip ties or twine) and drag out.....Once you can hang it, I saw the pelvis open and get the piss sack & bowel out (I carry a saw with me and will do this in the field too).....Make sure it's hung down or if on the ground, make sure you don't bust the sack in the meat. Wash out immediately, if you can.
If you're near SD North County, I have a tree to hang your deer and will help you.....I use Specialty Meats here in Escondido.....Right down the street and open 7 days a week.
ps......Don't forget to bring a pen and put that tag on the buck......Immediately.
